Exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

Exercise apparatus ( 10, 110 ) comprises a generally spheroidal main part ( 12, 112 ) having a weight providing portion ( 14, 114 ). The main part defines first and second receiving formations ( 16, 18, 117, 118 ) to receive a part of a limb of a user, wherein the weight of the main part is in the range of 1 kg to 20 kg.

This invention relates to exercise apparatus.

Medicine balls are often used in the gym and at home for exercise purposes. They are generally spherical in shape and contain a central weight. Medicine balls are generally only used only for lifting and throwing.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided exercise apparatus comprising a main part having a weight providing portion, said main part defining receiving formations to receive parts of the limbs of a user.

The receiving formations may be configured to receive the legs or feet of the limbs of the user.

In a first embodiment, the body may have a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the centre of gravity of the apparatus is in the lower portion, and the upper portion has the receiving formations, which may be configured to receive the limbs of a user. In the first embodiment, the receiving formations may be recesses.

In the first embodiment, the receiving means may comprise first and second receiving formations defined in the body. The apparatus may further include holding means for holding the apparatus on the user's feet during exercise.

The holding means may comprise a flexible holding member, which may be elongate. The holding member may comprise at least one strap. In one embodiment, the holding means may comprise first and second holding members, each being for a respective one of the user's feet. The first and second holding members may comprise respective first and second straps.

Each of the first and second receiving formations may be configured to receive a respective one of the user's feet. The first holding member may be provided on the first receiving formation. The second holding member may be provided on the second holding formation.

In another embodiment, the holding means may comprise a respective pair of holding members for each of the first and second receiving formations. Each of the holding members may be adjustable to secure different sizes of feet.

One of the holding members of each pair may be arranged to be disposed across the top of the user's foot. The other of the holding members of each pair may be arranged to be disposed across the heel of the user's foot.

Each pair of holding members may comprise a respective pair of strap portions. Each pair of strap portions may be part of a single strap. Alternatively, each strap portion may comprise a separate strap.

The upper portion of the body may have an accommodation formation to accommodate a front region of the user's feet. Each accommodation formation may define first and second recesses to receive the aforesaid front region of the user's feet. A cover portion may extend over each recess.

The upper portion of the body may include first and second accommodation formations on a respective one of the first and second receiving formations to accommodate a respective one of the user's feet.

The apparatus may include grip members extending from the body, the grip members being configured to allow the user to grip the apparatus. The grip members may comprise first and second handles, which may be arranged opposite each other on the body. The first and second grip members may extend from the first and second receiving formations respectively.

The apparatus may include extension means on the body, the extension means being moveable between extended and retracted conditions.

The grip members may be mounted on the extension means for movement therewith between the extended and retracted conditions.

The extension means may comprise an extension member extendable from the body to the extended condition. In one embodiment the extension means may comprise a retraction arrangement for retracting the extension member to the retracted condition.

The extension member may comprise a flexible elongate member, such as a cable. The retraction arrangement may comprise a reel upon which the extendable member can be wound.

The retraction arrangement may further include an urging member to urge the reel to move the extension means to the retracted condition. The urging member may comprise a spring operably mounted on the reel.

Alternatively, the extension member may comprise a resilient member, which may be stretchable to the extended condition, and may be contractable to the retracted condition. The resilient member may comprise an elastic cord, such as a bungee.

The grip members may be mounted on the extension member. The extension means may comprise support means to support the grip member when the extension means is in the extended condition.

The support means may comprise a support member, which may have rollers rotatably mounted thereon. The rollers may comprise wheels.

The apparatus may include a separator to separate the first and second receiving formations from each other. The separator may comprise an upstanding portion on the body.

The separator may extend alongside the first and second receiving formations, between the first and second receiving formations. The separator may be integral with the body.

The lower portion may have a curved outer surface. The lower portion may be of a generally hemispheroidal shape. In one embodiment, the lower portion may be of a prolate hemispheroidal shape.

The exercise apparatus may include a weighting means provided in the body. Desirably, the weighting means is provided in the lower portion of the body. The weighting means may be so provided in the body that when the body has a tendency to urge itself to a position in which the receiving means faces upwardly.

In a second embodiment, the receiving formations may be in the form of recesses, which may be arranged opposite each other.

In the second embodiment, the weight providing portion is desirably provided within the main part.

The weight of the main part may be at least partially provided by the weight providing portion and may be in the range of 1 kg to 20 kg. The weight of the main part may be at least partially provided by the weight providing portion and may be in the range of 2 kg to 15 kg. The weight of the main part may be at least partially provided by the weight providing portion and may be in the range of 3 kg to 10 kg.

The main part may comprise a ball and may be generally spheroidal in shape. The recesses may be defined opposite each other in the spheroidal main part. The recesses may have a generally oval profile.

Protruding portions may be provided on the main part in the recess, and protrude outwardly from the main part into the recess. The protruding portions may be configured to engage the feet of a user to provide enhanced grip for the user's feet on the exercise apparatus.

In one embodiment, the main part may comprise at least one removable weight providing portion. The main part may comprise first and second removable weight providing portions. The, or each, weight providing portion may comprise a removable weight member. The main part may comprise a body and the, or each, removable weight providing portion may be mountable on the body on the body. The first and second removable weight providing portions may be mountable opposite each other on the body.

The exercise apparatus may comprise a plurality of selectable weight members, which can be interchangeably mounted on the body to vary the weight of the exercise apparatus.

The exercise apparatus may have corresponding securing formations to secure each of the selected weight members on the body. The corresponding securing formations may comprise a projection on the weight member or the body and a hole defined in the body or the weight member.

The projection and the hole may be threaded to allow the projection to be threadably received in the hole. In one embodiment, a respective projection may be provided on each weight member, and the hole may be defined in the body.

In this embodiment, the body may have two oppositely arranged securing formations so that two weight members can be secured to the body opposite to each other.

In this embodiment, the weight of the body may be in the range of 1 kg to 4 kg. The weight of the body may be in the range of 2 kg to 3 kg. The weight of the body may be substantially 2 kg.

Each weight member may have a weight in the range of ¼ kg to 9 kg. Each weight member may have a weight in the range of ½ kg to 7 kg. Each weight member may have a weight in the range of ½ kg to 4 kg.

In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus may comprise a plurality of weight members, wherein at least one weight member can be selected to be secured to the body. The plurality of weight members may have a plurality of different weights. The exercise apparatus may comprise two sets of the corresponding securing formations to allow a selected two of the plurality of weight members to be secured to the body.

Attaching means may be provided to attach further articles to the main part. The attaching means may be on the body, and may comprise a further hole defined by the body. The further hole may receive an end region of an elongate article, such as a support bar. Two of the exercise apparatus may be attached to the respective opposite ends of the elongate article to provide a weightlifting arrangement.

The exercise apparatus may include holding means to hold the exercise apparatus on a user's foot or feet. The holding means may comprise a plurality of straps, each extending across a respective one of the recesses.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the use of the exercise apparatus to exercise the lower body of a user; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show use of the exercise apparatus to exercise the upper body of a user.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 7 shows the exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in use;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a further embodiment of an exercise apparatus with extension means in an extended condition;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a grip member and a support of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 shows a grip member and an alternative support;

FIGS. 12A to 12C show alternative ways of using the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 16 is a part sectional front view of another embodiment of an exercise apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a part sectional side view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 4; and

FIGS. 18A to 18E are diagrammatic representations showing some ways in which the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 can be used.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus, generally designated 10. The exercise apparatus 10 comprises a body 12 having a lower portion 14 of a prolate hemispheroidal configuration. The body 12 has an upper portion 15, in which first and second receiving formations 16, 18 are provided.

Each of the first and second receiving formations is configured to receive a respective one of the user's feet. Holding means in the form of first and second holding members 20, 22 are provided to hold the users feet in the respective first and second receiving formations 16, 18. The first and second holding members are in the form of first and second holding straps 20, 22.

An upstanding central separator 24 extends from the main body 12 between the first and second receiving formations 16, 18.

The apparatus 10 further includes first and second grip members in the form of handles 26, 28, which extend outwardly from the respective first and second receiving formations 16, 18. The handles 26, 28 are provided to allow the user to grip the exercise apparatus 10 in his or her hands.

A respective gap 30, 32 is defined between the first and second handles 26, 28 and the receiving formations 16, 18. This allows the user to apply a firm grip to the exercise apparatus 10.

As can be seen, the upstanding separator 24 includes opposite widened portions 34A, 34B, which are configured to engage within the arch of the user's feet when placed on the receiving formations 16, 18.

The lower portion 14 is provided with weighting means in the form of a weight 36 held within. The weight 36 can be of any suitable mass, for example 1 or 2 kilograms. The weight 36 is shown in broken lines in FIG. 3. FIGS. 4A and 4B, and FIGS. 5A and 5B show use of the exercise apparatus 10.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a user 100 has arranged his or her feet on the first and second receiving formations 16, 18, and has secured the feet to the exercise apparatus 10 by means of the holding straps 20, 22.

With the exercise apparatus 10 so held, the user 100 can perform exercises, for example as shown, by lifting the exercise apparatus 10 off the ground, thereby exercising his or her lower body.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the user 100 grips the handles 26, 28 and performs press ups on the exercise apparatus 10, thereby exercising his or her upper body.

There is thus described an exercise apparatus 10 that can be used to exercise the upper and lower body, and which is of a reasonably small size and can easily be stored in a cupboard between use.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the lower portion need not be of a prolate hemispheroidal shape, but could simply be in the shape of a hemisphere or any other suitable shape.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the exercise apparatus 10, which comprises many of the features of the exercise apparatus shown in the preceding Figures, and described above, and these features have been designated with the same reference numerals as in the preceding Figures.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 also includes an accommodation formation 40, which extends over the front region of the first and second receiving formations 16, 18 respectively. The accommodation formation 40 comprises first and second cover portions 42, 44, which define recesses 46, 48 to receive the front of the user's feet.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, further straps 50, 52 are provided in addition to the first and second holding straps 20, 22. The further straps 50, 52 are provided to engage around the heels of the user's feet.

Thus, the user inserts his or her feet between the first and second holding straps 20, 22 and the corresponding rear straps 50, 52, and inserts the front region of the feet into the recesses 46, 48. The first and second holding straps 20, 22 and the further straps 50, 52 are then adjusted to tighten them around the feet, so that both feet are held securely on the exercise apparatus 10.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 comprises all of the features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but for reasons of clarity, the first and second holding straps 20, 22 and the further straps 50, 52 are omitted from FIGS. 8 and 9. The remaining features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are designated with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the handles 26, 28 are mounted on extension means 60, which is in the form of a pair of resilient elongate members 62, 64. The resilient elongate members 62, 64 are attached at one end to the handles 26, 28, and at the opposite end to the inside of the body 12.

The extension means 64 can be moved from a retracted condition, which is shown by the handle 28, and an extended condition which is shown by the handle 26. The retracted condition of the handle 26 is shown in broken lines in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The extension means 60 can be moved from the retracted condition to the extended condition by pulling the handles outwardly, as shown by the arrows X designating movement of the handle 26 in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the handles 26, 28 are mounted upon support means 66. In FIG. 10 only the support means 66 for the handle 26 is shown, but it will be appreciated that the support means for the handle 28 is identical to the support means 66 for the handle 26

The support means 66 comprises a pair of downwardly extending support members 68 which are rotatably mounted at a pivot 70 on opposite ends of the handles 26, 28. A roller 72 extends from the support members 68 to engage the ground.

When the extension means 60 is in the retracted condition, the support means 66 is pivoted about the pivot 70 and housed within the body 12. When the extension means is pulled to the extended condition, the support means 66 pivots about the pivot 70 to the support condition, shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative version of the support means 66, which comprises the support members 68 and a pair of rollers 72, 74 on adjacent lower corners of the support member 68.

FIGS. 12A to 12C show different ways in which the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can be used.

In FIG. 12A, the exercise apparatus 10 is used with the extension means in the retracted condition, and with the support means 66 extending downwardly to support the handles 26, 28. In this position, the user is carrying out press-ups with the arms directly underneath the body.

In FIG. 12B, the user is also carrying out press-ups, but with the arms outwardly to his or her sides. This is effected by the user moving the handles 26, 28 outwardly so that the extension means is in the extended condition, with the support means 66 extended downwardly to support the handles 26, 28.

FIG. 12C shows a further way in which the exercise apparatus 10 can be used. In FIG. 12C, the user is exercising his or her arms by simply moving the handles 26, 28 outwardly against the inward force of the resilient members 62, 64.

A second embodiment of an exercise apparatus generally designated 110 is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and comprises a main part 112 having a weight providing portion 114 inside. In the embodiment shown, the weight of the main part, provided by the weight providing region 114 is in the range of 1 kg to 20 kg. In the embodiment shown, the weight providing portion 114 is shown in broken lines, and is an inner region of the main part 112. The weight providing portion 114 is formed of a suitable material to provide the exercise apparatus 110 with a weight in the range specified above.

The main part 112 may be filled with two materials, and the weight providing portion 114 can be a central region of the main part 112 that is formed of a material that is heavier than the material surrounding the central region.

The main part 112 is generally in the shape of a sphere having two opposed recesses 117, 118. Each of the recesses 117, 118 is of an oval shape. The exercise apparatus 110 further includes a respective protrusion 120, 122 on the main part 112 within each of the recesses 117, 118. Each protrusion 120, 122 is arranged at the centre of the respective recess 117, 118 and extends from the main part 112 into the respective recess.

The main part 112 defines slots 128 on opposite sides of each recess 117, 118, through which straps 130 can be threaded. The straps 130 extend across the recesses 117, 118 and are used to hold a user's feet, so that the exercise apparatus can be held on the feet. In FIG. 13, the straps are represented diagrammatically by broken lines. Suitable buckles 132 of a form that would be understood by those skilled in the art are provided on the straps 130 to secure the opposite ends of the respective straps 130 to each other, and to allow the straps 112 to be tightened around the feet of the user.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus, and which is generally designated 210. The exercise apparatus 210 has a main part 212, which comprises a body 214.

The body 214 defines two opposed recesses 217, 218 which are generally the same as the recesses 117, 118 described above, being of an oval shape. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the body 214 is shown in section. In FIG. 16, the recess 218 is hidden from view, but is shown in broken lines in FIG. 16.

The exercise apparatus 210 also includes a respective protrusion 220, 222 on the body 214 within each of the recesses 217, 218. The protrusions 220, 222 are arranged centrally within each recess 217, 218 and extend outwardly from the body 214 into the respective recess 217 or 218. Again, the protrusion 222 is hidden from view in FIG. 17, and is therefore shown in broken lines.

Each of the protrusions 120, 122, 220, 222 is of a convex curved shape, and may be configured to fit into the arch of a user's foot.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 in that, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the main part 212 includes two weight providing portions in the form of removable weight members 224 mounted on the body 214.

The exercise apparatus 210 comprises a plurality of pairs of weight members 224, which can be selectively mountable on the body 214. The weight members of each pair have the same weight as each other, but the weight members 224 of different pairs have different weights. The weight of the main part 212 can thus be varied.

Each of the weight members 224 has a weight portion 226 in the shape of a spherical cap, and a securing formation 228 extending from the weight portion. The securing formation 228 is in the form of a threaded cylindrical projection 230.

The body 214 defines two opposed securing members 231, defining respective threaded securing holes 232. Each of the securing holes 232 can receive, and threadably engage, the respective securing projections 228 on the weight portions 226 of the weight members 224.

For example, with the embodiment shown, the user can select a pair of weight members 224 having the same weight as each other. The weight members 224 so selected are attached to the body 214 by screwing the projections into the respective holes 226 in the body 214. Thus, with the selected weight members 224 mounted on the body 214, an exercise apparatus having the desired weight is provided.

Referring to FIG. 16, the body 214 includes attaching means 240 for attaching an elongate bar (not shown) to the exercise apparatus 210. In FIG. 16, the attaching means comprises an inwardly extending attaching element 242 defining a further hole 244 which is internally threaded.

The elongate bar may be externally threaded at its opposite ends. One end of the elongate bar may be threadably received in the threaded hole 244, thereby attaching the elongate bar to the exercise apparatus. The opposite end of the elongate bar may be attached to another identical exercise apparatus (not shown) in the same way. This provides a bar having weight members at its opposite ends, and which can be used as a weight lifting arrangement.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the body 214 has a weight of substantially 2 kg. Each of the weight members 224 may have a weight in the range of ½ kg to 9 kg, but it is desirable if each weight member 224 has a weight in the range of ½ kg to 4 kg.

FIGS. 18A to 18B are simplified drawings showing how the exercise apparatus 110, 210 can be used by a person. In FIG. 18A, a user 250 grips the exercise apparatus 110 between his or her lower legs. The lower legs are received in the recesses 117, 118 so that the user can grip the exercise apparatus 110, and move his or her legs in the directions indicated by the arrows.

In FIG. 18B, the user 250 again grips the exercise apparatus between his or her lower legs while performing sit-ups, as indicated by the arrows.

In FIG. 18C, the user places the exercise apparatus on the ground and grips it with his or her hands to perform push-ups. In order to minimise the risk of the user's hand slipping off the exercise apparatus 110, the user can grip the exercise apparatus 110 around the edges of the recesses 117, 118.

In FIG. 18D, the user once again grips the exercise apparatus 110 between his or her lower legs and, while lying face down on the ground lifts his or her legs from below the knee, as shown by the arrows.

FIG. 18D shows the exercise apparatus 110 gripped between a user's feet as he or she moves his or her legs as shown by the arrows. The user's feet are received in the recesses 117, 118, with the protrusions 120, 122 being received in the arches of the user's feet.

Although FIGS. 18A to 18E have been described with reference to the exercise apparatus 110, it will be appreciated that the exercises described could be performed using the exercise apparatus 210. 

1. Exercise apparatus comprising a generally spheroidal main part having a weight providing portion, wherein the main part defines a receiving formation to receive a part of a limb of a user.
 2. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main part defines first and second receiving formations to receive a respective part of first and second limbs of a user.
 3. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the, or each, receiving formations are in the form of a respective recess.
 4. Exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second receiving formations are arranged opposite each other.
 5. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight providing portion is provided within the main part, and the receiving formations are defined opposite each other in the spheroidal main part.
 6. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a protruding portion is provided on the main part in the, or each, receiving formation, and protrude outwardly from the main part into the receiving formation.
 7. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1 including holding means to hold the exercise apparatus on a user's foot or feet, the holding means comprising a plurality of straps, each extending across a respective one of the recesses.
 8. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight of the main part is at least partially provided by the weight providing portion and is in the range of 1 kg to 20 kg.
 9. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main part comprises a body and at least one weight providing portion removably mounted on the body.
 10. Exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the main part comprises first and second removable weight providing portions, mountable opposite each other on the body.
 11. Exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the main part comprises a plurality of selectable weight members, which can be interchangeably mounted on the body to vary the weight of the exercise apparatus.
 12. Exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the exercise apparatus has corresponding securing formations to selectively secure each of the weight members on the body, the corresponding securing formations comprising a projection on the weight member or the body and a hole defined in the body or the weight member.
 13. Exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the projection and the hole are threaded to allow the projection to be threadably received in the hole.
 14. Exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each weight member comprises a respective projection, and the hole is defined in the body.
 15. Exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the body has two oppositely arranged securing formations so that two weight members can be secured to the body opposite to each other.
 16. Exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the weight of the body is in the range of 1 kg to 4 kg.
 17. Exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the, or each, weight member has a weight in the range of ¼ kg to 9 kg.
 18. Exercise apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises a plurality of weight members, wherein at least one weight member can be selected to be secured to the body, the plurality of weight members having a plurality of different weights.
 19. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein attaching means is provided to attach an end region of an elongate article to the main part, the attaching means comprising an aperture defined by the main part.
 20. A weight lifting arrangement comprising two of exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 25 each exercise apparatus being attached to a respective opposite end of the elongate article. 